James Wanamaker

James Wanamaker

Dr. James Wanamaker earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 2016 with a concentration in pediatric dentistry.

While at Buffalo, he served in multiple roles in organized dentistry, including the National Chair of the Council on Advocacy for the American Student Dental Association (ASDA).

Following dental school, he then completed a General Practice Residency at SUNY Upstate Hospital and the Syracuse VA Hospital. He has completed additional training at the Dawson Academy, Invisalign, and surgical implant placement at the Brighterway Institute. Dr. Wanamaker is a partner in his dream private practice, Smiles of Skaneateles, located outside of Syracuse, NY.

Dr. Wanamaker began working with IgniteDDS as a 3rd-year dental student. Since then, he has spoken at dental schools and conferences across the country on interview skills and finding your ideal private practice.

He is heavily involved in organized dentistry on a local, state, and national level. Dr. Wanamaker currently serves as the Chair of the New Dentist Committee for the New York State Dental Association. In 2020 Dr. Wanamaker was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Dentists.

Fellows have exemplified excellence through outstanding leadership and exceptional contributions to dentistry and society and only 3% of dentists are Fellows. Dr. Wanamaker resides in Upstate New York with his wife, Francesca, their young daughter, and Goldendoodle, Chewbacca.

dental photography

Why Dental Photography Is Essential in Modern Dental Practice

By: James Wanamaker, DDS – IgniteDDS Clinical Coach In my private practice centered on esthetics and function,…

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Variolink Esthetic System Review

Variolink Esthetic System Review

By: Dr. James Wanamaker When I became a dental practice owner, one of my goals was to…

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Direct Restorative Workflow Kit from Ivoclar

Systems & Simplicity: Two Words that Come to Mind When Working with the Direct Restorative Workflow Kit from Ivoclar

By: Dr. James Wanamaker I have been a fan of Ivoclar products since I was a student…

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Why January Is the Best Time to Fix Broken Systems in Your Dental Practice

By Sable Muntean | January 5, 2026

By: Dr. Sable Muntean January is often labeled as a “slow month” in dentistry. The holidays are over, patients are distracted by new deductibles, and schedules can feel lighter than usual. But for practice owners who understand the business side of dentistry, January isn’t slow—it’s strategic. January is the single best time of year to…

Mastering Time Management in Dental Hygiene Care

By Dr. Lee Ann Brady | January 5, 2026

By: Lee Ann Brady, DMDThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Dental hygiene appointments are the first opportunity to deliver your patients high-quality, personalized dental care. They offer a unique chance to connect with patients while addressing their oral health needs. However, with limited working hours…

What Your Team Says in the First 30 Seconds Determines Everything

By David Rice | January 5, 2026

By: Dr. David Rice Ask most doctors or office managers what their #1 goal is when the phone rings, and you’ll get what we rarely get in dentistry: total agreement — “To schedule the patient.” Now, I would agree, with a twist,  “To schedule a lifelong patient who feels compelled to tell their friends, their…

New Year, Same Mouth: A Dentist’s Realistic Approach to Resolutions

By Sable Muntean | December 29, 2025

By: Dr. Sable Muntean January arrives, and with it comes the usual flood of resolutions: eat cleaner, work out more, drink less, reinvent your entire existence, etc. But as dentists, we know a universal truth: Most people make big resolutions… and their mouths stay exactly the same. So instead of another unrealistic “new year, new…

When the Same Problems Repeat, It Is Not the People

By Garrett Wilson | December 29, 2025

By: Garrett Wilson Let’s face it. One of your core responsibilities as a leader is navigating people and business challenges at the same time. When the same problems show up month after month, the issue is no longer external. It is internal. This is not a workforce crisis. It is an operating model problem. Dentistry…

Limitations of Digital Dentistry: When Technology Falls Short

By Dr. Kelley Brummett, DMD | December 29, 2025

By: Kelley Brummett, DMD This Article Originally Appeared in PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Brummet granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. As digital dentistry continues to revolutionize the way we practice dentistry, the functional capacity of the new tools, ease of use, and efficiency make them indispensable for modern practice workflows. However, even the most advanced technologies…

The Freedom Framework Week Three: The Power of Flow

By Candy Velez - CRDH, BSDH | December 29, 2025

Creating Freedom Through Structure, Alignment, and Leadership By: Candy Velez, CRDHIgniteDDS Dental Hygiene Coach Missed Week One or Two? Check them out here:Week One: Breaking the Invisible HandcuffsWeek Two: Releasing Money Blocks & Embracing Stewardship Once you’ve broken the invisible handcuffs and reframed your relationship with money, the next step is where everything comes together…

Meaningful Ways New Dentists Can Show Gratitude to Their Team During the Holidays

By Ronda Holman | December 22, 2025

…Without Spending Much Money By: Ronda Holman The holiday season is a perfect opportunity for new dentists to strengthen team culture and show appreciation—without stretching the budget. In a dental practice, genuine gestures speak louder than expensive gifts. Here are simple, memorable ways to express gratitude that your employees will truly appreciate. Write Personal, Handwritten…

Endo Made Simple Part 3: Obturation

By Michael Eid | December 22, 2025

By: Michael Eid Missed Parts 1 & 2? Check Them Out Here: Step 1: Final Canal Check High-Yield Tip: If a 10 doesn’t pass now, it won’t after obturation. Step 2: Dry the Canal High-Yield Tip: Moisture = weak sealer seal and post-op sensitivity. Step 3: Select the Master Cone High-Yield Tip: No tug-back = poor…

How Dentists Can Navigate Holiday Parties Without ‘Talking Teeth’ All Night

By Sable Muntean | December 22, 2025

By: Dr. Sable Muntean Holiday parties are supposed to be fun—good food, good music, good company. But if you’re a dentist, you know how it really goes: You walk in the door, grab a drink, and within five minutes someone is pointing at a molar and saying, “Since you’re here… can I ask you something?”…